Methods, systems, and apparatus for wireless recharging of battery-powered devices

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an antenna, an energy storage device, a receiver, and an indicator assembly. The receiver may be coupled to the antenna and the energy storage device. The receiver may be configured to receive wireless energy via the antenna such that an energy storage level of the energy storage device is increased. The indicator assembly may be coupled to the receiver and may be configured, in response to the receiver receiving the wireless energy, to provide an indication based, at least in part, on a characteristic of the wireless energy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/594,506, entitled “Methods, Systems, and Apparatus for WirelessRecharging of Battery-Powered Devices,” filed Dec. 4, 2017, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Some embodiments described herein relate generally to systems, methods,and apparatus for wirelessly transmitting power.

As processor capabilities have expanded and power requirements havedecreased, the number of devices operating independent of wires or powercords has increased. These “untethered” devices (also referred to as“wireless devices”) include, for example, cell phones, wirelessheadphones, wireless keyboards, smartwatches, building sensors, and RFIDtags. These untethered devices, however, are often limited by theirportable power sources (e.g., the life and/or capacity of theirbatteries). Furthermore, recharging the portable power sources of manyuntethered devices often requires the untethered devices to betemporarily coupled via a wire (e.g., a power cord) to an external powersource, such as a wall outlet. Thus, during a recharging period, theuntethered devices have limited mobility relative to the external powersource. Additionally, a user of an untethered device typically manuallyinitiates and concludes a recharging process of the untethered device,which may be inconvenient.

Thus, a need exists for systems, methods, and apparatus that allow forconvenient wireless powering of wireless devices.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an antenna, an energy storagedevice, a receiver, and an indicator assembly. The receiver is coupledto the antenna and the energy storage device. The receiver is configuredto receive wireless energy via the antenna such that an energy storagelevel of the energy storage device is increased. The indicator assemblyis coupled to the receiver and configured, in response to the receiverreceiving the wireless energy, to provide an indication based, at leastin part, on a characteristic of the wireless energy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for receiving and storingwirelessly transferred power, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrations of a system for receiving andstoring wirelessly transferred power, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a system for wirelesslytransferring power, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a system for receiving and storingwirelessly transferred power, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a system for receiving and storingwirelessly transferred power, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a system for receiving and storingwirelessly transferred power, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a system for receiving and storingwirelessly transferred power, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a system for receiving and storingwirelessly transferred power, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is schematic illustration of a system for receiving and storingwirelessly transferred power, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a chart illustrating operational ranges of the system of FIG.9, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an antenna, an energy storagedevice, a receiver, and an indicator assembly. The receiver is coupledto the antenna and the energy storage device. The receiver is configuredto receive wireless energy via the antenna such that an energy storagelevel of the energy storage device is increased. The indicator assemblyis coupled to the receiver and configured, in response to the receiverreceiving the wireless energy, to provide an indication based, at leastin part, on a characteristic of the wireless energy.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an antenna, a receivercoupled to the antenna, and a first energy storage device coupled to thereceiver. The first energy storage device is configured to increase anenergy storage level of the first energy storage device to a firstthreshold energy storage level when a first wireless energy is receivedby the receiver. The wireless first energy may have a current, the firstthreshold energy storage level being below an energy storage capacity ofthe first energy storage device. The first energy storage device may beconfigured to provide power to a second energy storage device having asecond energy storage capacity greater than the first energy storagecapacity by sending a second energy to the second energy storage device,the second energy having a current greater than the current of the firstwireless energy.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an energy storage device, anRF-to-DC converter, an antenna, and a feedpoint. The antenna isconfigured to provide power to the energy storage device such that anenergy storage level of the energy storage device increases when theenergy storage level of the energy storage device is below an energystorage capacity of the energy storage device. The antenna includes aflexible first arcuate metal portion having a first radius, a flexiblesecond arcuate metal portion having a second radius smaller than thefirst radius, and a plurality of spacers. Each spacer from the pluralityof spacers is coupled to the first arcuate metal portion and the secondarcuate metal portion such that a portion of the first arcuate metalportion coupled to that spacer and a portion of the second arcuate metalportion coupled to that spacer are spaced apart by a predetermineddistance. The feedpoint couples the first arcuate metal portion to thesecond arcuate metal portion and may be configured to operatively couplethe antenna to the RF-to-DC converter.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, an antenna, and anenergy storage device. The antenna and the energy storage device isdisposed within the housing. The antenna includes an antenna portion anda reflector. The reflector is electrically isolated from the antennaportion. The energy storage device is disposed within the housing andconfigured such that an energy storage level of the energy storagedevice can increase in response to the antenna receiving wirelessenergy.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system 100. The system 100 maybe, for example, a wireless device (e.g., an end device such as a mobilephone such as a smartphone, a wireless game controller, a smartwatch, orwireless headphones). In some implementations, the system 100 may be,for example, an intermediary device coupleable to a wireless end devicesuch that power collected by the system 100 may be transferred to anenergy storage device of the wireless end device. As shown in FIG. 1,the system 100 includes an antenna 110, a receiver 120, an indicatorassembly 130, and an energy storage device 140. The receiver 120 may becoupled to the antenna 110 and the energy storage device 140. Theindicator assembly 130 may be coupled to the receiver 120 and/or theenergy storage device 140. In some implementations, the energy storagedevice 140 may be coupled to the receiver 120 via the indicator assembly130. The receiver 120 may receive wireless energy via the antenna 110such that an energy storage level of the energy storage device 140 isincreased. The wireless energy may be, for example, radio frequency (RF)energy. The wireless energy may have a power level. In someimplementations, the wireless energy may be included in a wirelesssignal containing, for example, a beacon or data. The indicator assembly130 may, in response to the receiver 120 receiving the wireless energy,provide an indication based, at least in part, on a characteristic ofthe wireless energy. In some implementations, the energy storage device140 is a first energy storage device, and the system 100 optionallyincludes and/or is coupled to a second energy storage device (notshown). In some implementations, the antenna 110 and/or the receiver 120form at least a portion of an energy harvesting assembly.

The energy storage device 140, and any of the energy storage devicesdescribed herein, may be any suitable type of energy storage device. Insome implementations, the energy storage device 140, and any of theenergy storage devices described herein, may include a typicalrechargeable chemical battery. In some implementations, the energystorage device 140, and any of the energy storage devices describedherein, may include a capacitor that can store energy.

In some implementations, the indicator assembly 130 may determinewhether the wireless energy received by the receiver 120 is capable ofincreasing the energy storage level of the energy storage device 140.For example, the indicator assembly 130 may determine whether acharacteristic of the received wireless energy is within a range thatwould be able to increase the energy storage level of the energy storagedevice 140 (e.g., above a threshold strength or current level of theenergy storage device 140). The characteristic may be, for example, acurrent level, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), or any othersuitable characteristic. The indicator assembly 130 may then provide anindication based, at least in part, on a determination that the wirelessenergy is capable of increasing the energy storage level of the energystorage device 140.

In some implementations, the indicator assembly 130 may determinewhether the characteristic of the wireless energy is within apredetermined range or above a predetermined threshold. The indicatorassembly 130 may then provide an indication based, at least in part, ona determination that the characteristic of the wireless energy is withinthe predetermined range or above a predetermined threshold. For example,in some implementations, the indicator assembly 130 may determinewhether a current level of the wireless energy is within a predeterminedrange or above a predetermined threshold. The indicator assembly 130 mayinclude a current sense amplifier. In some implementations, thepredetermined range or predetermined threshold may correspond to acurrent level required to charge the energy storage device 140. In someimplementations, the predetermined range or predetermined threshold maycorrespond to a current level used to charge the energy storage device140 in a particular length of time or within a range of lengths of time.In some implementations, the predetermined range or predeterminedthreshold may correspond to a distance range from a transmittertransmitting the wireless energy. The indication provided by theindicator assembly 130 may then be based, at least in part, on adetermination that the current level of the wireless energy is withinthe predetermined range or above a predetermined threshold. Theindication may alert the user that the system 100 is within a particularcharging distance range or zone of the transmitter.

In some implementations, the indicator assembly 130 may determinewhether a received signal strength of the wireless energy received bythe receiver 120 is within a predetermined range or above apredetermined threshold. In some implementations, the indicator assembly130 may determine a received signal strength of the wireless energy(e.g., an estimated power level of the wireless energy received by thereceiver 120) and to determine whether the received signal strength ofthe wireless energy is within a predetermined range or above apredetermined threshold in addition or alternatively to determining acurrent level of the wireless energy. In some implementations, thepredetermined range or predetermined threshold may correspond to areceived signal strength used to charge the energy storage device 140 ina particular length of time or within a range of lengths of time. Inresponse to determining that the received signal strength of thewireless energy is within the predetermined range or above predeterminedthreshold, the indicator assembly may provide an indication based atleast in part on the determination that the received signal strength ofthe wireless energy is within the predetermined range or above thepredetermined threshold. In some implementations, the predeterminedrange or predetermined threshold may correspond to a distance range froma transmitter transmitting the wireless energy. The indication may alertthe user that the system 100 is within a particular charging distancerange or zone of the transmitter.

In some implementations, the indicator assembly 130 may provide anysuitable number of indications indicating various conditions of thesystem 100. For example, the indicator assembly 130 may provide a numberof distinct indications. For example, the indicator assembly 130 mayprovide a first indication corresponding to a first condition of thesystem 100 and/or a first characteristic of the wireless energy, asecond indication corresponding to a second condition of the system 100and/or a second characteristic of the wireless energy, and a thirdindication corresponding to a third condition of the system 100 and/or athird characteristic of the wireless energy.

In some implementations, the first indication may represent a firstpredetermined range of the current level or received signal strength ofreceived wireless energy corresponding to a first distance range from atransmitter transmitting the wireless energy. The second indication mayrepresent a second predetermined range of the current level or receivedsignal strength of received wireless energy corresponding to a seconddistance range from a transmitter transmitting the wireless energy. Thethird indication may represent a third predetermined range of thecurrent level or received signal strength of received wireless energycorresponding to a third distance range from a transmitter transmittingthe wireless energy. Thus, the indicator assembly 130 may determinewhether a characteristic of received wireless energy (e.g., a currentlevel or received signal strength) is within a first predeterminedrange, a second predetermined range, or a third predetermined range. Inresponse to determining that the characteristic of received wirelessenergy is within one of the first predetermined range, the secondpredetermined range, or the third predetermined range, the indicatorassembly 130 may provide an indication to the user of the determinationthat the characteristic is within the first, second, or thirdpredetermined range. If the characteristic of the wireless energychanges (e.g., if the system 100 is moved closer to a transmitter), thedetermination of whether the characteristic is within the firstpredetermined range, the second predetermined range, or the thirdpredetermined range may change. In response to the indicator assembly130 determining that the determination has changed (e.g., thecharacteristic was within the first predetermined range but is now inthe second predetermined range), the indicator assembly 130 may providean indication of the change or an indication of the new condition. Forexample, the indicator assembly 130 may provide an indication signalingto a user that a rate of recharge of the energy storage device 140 isincreased compared to a rate of recharge indicated by a previousindication, which may be due to moving the system 100 from a first zonerelative to a transmitter to a second zone closer to the transmitter.

The indicator assembly 130 may include or be coupled to any suitablecomponents configured to provide an indication. For example, theindicator assembly 130 may include or be coupled to a general processor,an application specific processor, and/or a circuit. In someimplementations, a processor associated with an end device (e.g., asmartphone, a wireless game controller, or wireless headphones) may runinstructions such that the end device may first receive a signalincluding a characteristic of wireless energy received by the receiver120 and/or a characteristic of the energy storage device 140 (e.g., anindication of charging effectiveness such as the current level or RSSIof the wireless energy received by the receiver 120). The processor maycompare the received characteristic to a look up table stored in amemory (e.g., an EPROM). An output instruction correlating to thecharacteristic may be identified based on the look up table. The outputinstruction may then be sent to an output device of the indicatorassembly 130, which may include, for example, a speaker, at least onelight-emitting diode, and/or a haptic actuator. The output device of theindicator assembly 130 may be included in the system 100 or in an enddevice coupleable to the system 100.

In some implementations, the indication provided by the indicatorassembly 130 may include one or more audible indications provided via aspeaker of the indicator assembly 130. The indicator assembly 130 mayproduce a number of distinct sounds to indicate various chargingconditions of the system 100. For example, the indicator assembly 130may produce a sound having a first pitch to indicate that the system 100has entered a charging zone of a transmitter and a sound having a secondpitch different from the first pitch to indicate that the system 100 hasexited a charging zone of a transmitter. In some implementations, theindicator assembly 130 may play a unique sound or tune based on adetermination of which predetermined range the characteristic of thereceived wireless energy falls within. Thus, the indicator assembly 130may play a first sound or tune when the system 100 is within a firstcharging zone of a transmitter, a second sound or tune when the system100 is within a second charging zone of the transmitter, and a thirdsound or tune when the system 100 is within a third charging zone of thetransmitter.

In some implementations, as the device 100 is moved closer to atransmitter from which the device 100 is receiving wireless energy, theindication may change. In some implementations, the indicator assembly130 may increase a frequency of a sound to indicate that a rate ofrecharging the energy storage device 140 has increased based on acharacteristic of the energy received by the receiver 120. In someimplementations, the indicator assembly 130 may produce a particularaudible indication when charging ends (e.g., because the system 100 hasbeen moved outside of a charging range of the transmitter or because theenergy storage level of the energy storage device 140 is above athreshold energy storage level and/or equal to the energy storagecapacity of the energy storage device 140).

As an example, the following audible indication scheme may beimplemented using the indicator assembly 130:

Charging Rate Sound Emitted Fast Beep Sound 1 Medium Beep Sound 2 SlowBeep Sound 3 Off Beep Sound 4

In some implementations, the indication provided by the indicatorassembly 130 may include a visual indication. For example, the indicatorassembly 130 may include at least one light emitting diode. Theindicator assembly 130 may illuminate the at least one light emittingdiode to indicate a particular condition of the system 100 or acharacteristic of the wireless energy received by the receiver 120.Different colors, illumination intensities, and/or rates of flashing ofthe one or more light emitting diodes may be used to indicate, forexample, that the energy storage device 140 has a particular chargingrate based on the wireless energy being received by the receiver 120,that the system 100 is within a particular charging zone or range from atransmitter, or that a characteristic (e.g., current level or RSSI) ofthe wireless energy received by the receiver 120 is within apre-determined range or above a pre-determined threshold. In someimplementations, the indicator assembly 130 may cease illumination ofthe at least one light emitting diodes or cause the at least one lightemitting diodes to illuminate a different color when charging ends(e.g., because the system 100 has been moved outside of a charging rangeof the transmitter or because the energy storage level of the energystorage device 140 is equal to the energy storage capacity of the energystorage device 140).

As an example, the following visual indication scheme may be implementedusing the indicator assembly 130:

Charging Rate LED Color Fast Slow Flashing Green Medium Slow FlashingYellow Slow Slow Flashing Orange Off Solid Red for 5 seconds then off

As another example, the following visual indication scheme may beimplemented using the indicator assembly 130:

Charging Rate LED Color Fast Solid Bright Green Medium Solid Dim GreenSlow Solid Yellow Off Flashing Red for 5 seconds then off

In some implementations, the indication provided by the indicatorassembly 130 may include a haptic indication. The indication assembly130 may include a haptic actuator that can vibrate the system 100 or aportion of the system 100 in response to making a determinationregarding a particular characteristic of received wireless energy or aparticular characteristic of the energy storage device 140. For example,the haptic actuator may actuate to indicate that the receiver 120 hasreceived wireless energy capable of charging the energy storage device140 (e.g., having a sufficiently high current or RSSI). Thus, actuationof the haptic actuator of the indication assembly 130 may indicate to auser that the system 100 is disposed within a charging zone of atransmitter. The haptic actuator may also actuate to indicate that thereceiver 120 is no longer receiving wireless energy capable of chargingthe energy storage device 140, thus indicating to the user that thesystem 100 is no longer disposed within the charging zone of thetransmitter. In some embodiments, the indication assembly 130 may causethe haptic actuator to produce the same or different vibrationalpatterns (e.g., different intensities and/or lengths) corresponding toentering or exiting the charging zone of the transmitter.

In some implementations, the indicator assembly 130 may actuate thehaptic actuator such that a user experiences a different vibrationalpattern corresponding to different ranges of charging speed (e.g.,corresponding to different current levels of the wireless energyreceived by the receiver 120). For example, the haptic actuator may beactuated with different intensities or lengths. In some implementations,the indicator assembly 130 may actuate the haptic actuator (e.g.,according to a particular pattern) when charging ends (e.g., because thesystem 100 has been moved outside of a charging range of the transmitteror because the energy storage level of the energy storage device 140 isequal to the energy storage capacity of the energy storage device 140).

As an example, the following haptic indication scheme may be implementedusing the indicator assembly 130:

Charging Rate Vibration Scheme Fast 3 short vibrations Medium 2 shortvibrations Slow 1 short vibration Off 1 long vibration

In some implementations, the indicator assembly 130 may produce multipleindicators to indicate a particular condition of the system 100 or acharacteristic of the wireless energy received by the receiver 120. Theindicators may be any combination of audible, visual, and/or hapticindicators as described above. The multiple indicators may initiatesimultaneously or in series.

In some implementations, the system 100 may include a charge monitoringassembly (not shown in FIG. 1) coupled to the receiver 120 and/or theenergy storage device 140 and configured to determine the energy storagelevel of the energy storage device 140. The charge monitoring assemblymay include a charge monitoring circuit. The indicator assembly 130 mayprovide an indication corresponding to a time duration until the energystorage level of the energy storage device 140 is above a thresholdenergy storage level. The indication may be based, at least in part, onthe energy storage level of the energy storage device 140 and a rate ofincrease of the energy storage level based on a characteristic of thewireless energy. In some implementations, the charge monitoring assemblymay determine the energy storage level of the energy storage device 140and indicate the time duration and/or recharge rate based on the energystorage capacity of the energy storage device 140 and the rate ofcharging of the energy storage device 140 based on one or moreproperties (e.g., current and/or RSSI) of the energy received by thereceiver 120. In some implementations, the indicator assembly 130 mayindicate a charge rate of the energy storage device 140 based on theenergy storage level and capacity of the energy storage device 140 andthe rate of charging of the energy storage device 140. Thus, if theenergy storage level is sufficiently high at the start of a chargingoperation, even if the rate of charging of the energy storage device islower (e.g., a rate of charging corresponding to a “medium” rangedesignation), the indicator assembly 130 may indicate that the rate ofcharging is higher (e.g., a rate of charging corresponding to a “fast”range designation). In some implementations, a fast charging ratedesignation may correspond to the energy storage level of the energystorage device 140 reaching capacity within a range of about one toabout two hours, a medium charging rate designation may correspond tothe energy storage level of the energy storage device 140 reachingcapacity within a range of about two to about four hours, and a slowcharging rate designation may correspond to the energy storage level ofthe energy storage device 140 reaching capacity within a range of aboutfour to about eight hours.

In some implementations, the system 100 may include an activationassembly. The activation assembly may be coupled to the receiver 120and/or the energy storage device 140. The activation assembly may beconfigured such that power is only provided from the receiver 120 to thefirst energy storage device 140 and/or from the first energy storagedevice 140 to a second energy storage device (not shown) upon activationof the activation assembly by a user. For example, the activationassembly may include a button or switch that must be actuated (e.g.,toggled) by the user to initiate charging of the first energy storagedevice 140 and/or the transfer of power from the first energy storagedevice 140.

In some implementations, the system 100 may include a voltage monitoringcircuit or other circuit for determining a state of charge of the firstenergy storage device 140. In some embodiments, the system 100 mayinclude a gas gauge circuit for determining the state of charge of theenergy storage device 140. The gas gauge circuit may be implementedusing a voltage monitoring circuit. The gas gauge circuit (also referredto as a gauge circuit) may be configured to determine the energy storagelevel of the energy storage device 140 relative to a capacity of theenergy storage device 140. In some implementations, the gas gaugecircuit may be configured to produce an output (e.g., via a display)reflecting the energy storage level of the energy storage device 140.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a system 200. The system 200includes an antenna 210, an energy harvesting assembly 260, a firstenergy storage device 240, and a second energy storage device 250. Theenergy harvesting assembly 260 may include or be coupled to a receiversuch as the receiver 120 described above with respect to the system 100.The energy harvesting assembly 260 and/or the receiver may be coupled tothe antenna 210. The first energy storage device 240 may be coupled tothe energy harvesting assembly 260 and/or the receiver. The first energystorage device 240 may have a first energy storage capacity and thesecond energy storage device 250 may have a second energy storagecapacity. In some implementations, the second energy storage capacitymay be greater than the first energy storage capacity.

The first energy storage device 240 may increase an energy storage levelof the first energy storage device 240 to a first threshold energystorage level when wireless energy is received by the energy harvestingassembly 260 and/or receiver. In response to the first energy storagedevice 240 being charged to the first threshold energy storage level,the first energy storage device 240 may provide power to the secondenergy storage device 250 by sending energy to the second energy storagedevice 250. In some implementations, the first energy storage device 240may only transfer power to the second energy storage device 250 when theenergy storage level of the first energy storage device 240 is above athreshold energy storage level and the energy storage level of thesecond energy storage device 250 is below a threshold energy storagelevel, which may be a different threshold energy storage level than theenergy storage level of the first energy storage device 240. In someimplementations, the energy transferred from the first energy storagedevice 240 to the second energy storage device 250 may be transferredwirelessly, inductively, via a wired connection, or via any othersuitable power transfer method.

In some implementations, the wireless energy received by the firstenergy storage device 240 may have a first current and the energytransferred from the first energy storage device 240 to the secondenergy storage device 250 may have a second current. The second currentmay be greater than the first current. Thus, if wireless energy isreceived by the antenna 210 having a current too low compared to thecurrent used to increase the energy storage level of the second energystorage device 250, the wireless energy received by the antenna 210 maybe stored in the first energy storage device 240 until the energystorage level of the first energy storage device 240 is high enough totransfer an amount (e.g., a burst) of energy to the second energystorage device 250 having a high enough current to increase the energystorage level of the second energy storage device 250. In someimplementations, the energy received by the first energy storage device240 via the antenna 210 and the energy harvesting assembly 260 may havea first duration or be received for a first period of time, and theenergy received by the second energy storage device 250 from the firstenergy storage device 240 may have a second duration shorter than thefirst duration or be received for a second period of time. For example,the first period of time may a period of time ranging between, forexample, 1-2 hours, 2-4 hours, 4-8 hours, or any other suitable periodof time. The second period of time may be, for example, thirty minutes.

In some implementations, the energy harvesting assembly 260 may chargethe first energy storage device 240 to and/or above a first thresholdenergy storage level (e.g., a voltage threshold). In someimplementations, the first threshold energy storage level is below acapacity of the first energy storage device 240. In someimplementations, the energy harvesting assembly 260 may cease chargingthe first energy storage device 240 when the energy storage level of thefirst energy storage device 240 is at or above a second threshold energystorage level. The second threshold may be, for example, at or above 0%of the capacity of the first energy storage device 240. In someimplementations, the second threshold may be, for example, at or above10% of the capacity of the first energy storage device 240. In someimplementations, the second threshold may be, for example, at or above50% of the capacity of the first energy storage device 240.

In some implementations, the system 200 may include one or moretemperature sensors. The first threshold energy storage level and/or thesecond threshold energy storage level may each be automatically adjustedbased on temperature data from the one or more temperature sensors. Forexample, if a temperature sensor coupled to the first energy storagedevice 240 senses that a temperature of the first energy storage device240 or a region near the first energy storage device 240 is at or abovea threshold temperature, the system 200 (via, for example, amicroprocessor of the system 200) may reduce the second threshold energystorage level such that the charging operation slows or discontinues.

In some implementations, the second energy storage device 250 may becoupled to or mounted inside a separate external device. For example,the antenna 210, the energy harvesting assembly 260, and the firstenergy storage device 240 may be included in a first subassembly 201.The first subassembly 201 may be coupled to or mounted inside a firsthousing. The second energy storage device 250 may be included in asecond subassembly 204 and may be coupled to or mounted inside a secondhousing and/or inside an external device that may be removablycoupleable to the first subassembly 201. In some implementations, thefirst subassembly 201 and the second subassembly 204 may each include aportion of a connector interface (not shown in FIG. 2) such that thefirst subassembly 201 and the second subassembly 204 may be electricallycoupled. The connector interface may include a standard connector andport (e.g., a USB) or any other suitable connector type.

In some implementations, the first subassembly 201 may support thesecond subassembly 204. In some implementations, the first subassembly201 may support more than one separate second subassemblies 204 (e.g.,two, three, four or more external devices each having individual energystorage devices). In some implementations, the first subassembly 201 maybe alternatively provide power to each separate external device to whichthe first subassembly 201 is coupled. In some implementations, the firstsubassembly 201 may evenly or unevenly split power between each separatesecond subassembly 204.

In some implementations, the first subassembly 201 and the secondsubassembly 204 may mechanically engage with each other via anengagement mechanism (not shown in FIG. 21). Each of the firstsubassembly 201 and the second subassembly 204 may include a portion ofthe engagement mechanism. The engagement mechanism may include apositive lock for which a user actuates a portion of the lock todisengage the first subassembly 201 and the second subassembly 204. Forexample, the engagement mechanism may include a button or portion towhich a user may apply a force to disengage the lock from a latch.

In some implementations, the first energy storage device 240 may receivewireless power via the antenna 210 and the energy harvesting assembly260 such that an energy storage level of the first energy storage device240 may increase in the absence of the first subassembly 201 beingcoupled to the second energy storage device 250. Upon coupling of thefirst subassembly 201 and the second subassembly 204, power transferfrom the first energy storage deice 240 to the second energy storagedevice 250 may initiate. In some implementations, the first energystorage device 240 and/or the second energy storage device 250 mayinclude an additional charging circuitry (not shown in FIG. 2)configured to regulate an amount of voltage or current applied to energystorage device to the first energy storage device 240 or the secondenergy storage device 250, respectively.

Although not shown, the system 200 may further include an indicatorassembly. The indicator assembly may be the same or similar in structureand/or function to the indicator assembly 130 described above withrespect to the system 100. The indicator assembly may be operationallycoupled to the first energy storage device 240 and/or the second energystorage device 250 such that the indicator assembly may indicate acharging status and/or rate of the first energy storage device 240and/or the second energy storage device 250. The indicator assembly mayprovide an indication of a rate of increase of at least one of theenergy storage level of the first energy storage device 240 or theenergy storage level of the second energy storage device 250.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a system 300. The system 300 mayinclude a transmitter 370, a device 302, an external device 304, and acloud server 306 having a database. The transmitter 370 may transmitwireless energy (e.g., radiofrequency (RF) power or electromagneticwaves) to a charging region or zone such that the device 302 may receivethe wireless energy when disposed within the charging region or zone.The device 302 may be the same or similar as or may include any of thesystems or devices described herein, such as, for example, the system100 or the system 200. For example, the device 302 may include anantenna, a receiver, and a first energy storage device. Additionally,the device 302 may include an indicator assembly and/or a second energystorage device.

In some implementations, the device 302 may wirelessly transmitinformation related to the charging of a first and/or second energystorage device of the device 302 and/or the charging of an energystorage device of an external device 304 to, for example, the externaldevice 304. The external device 304 may be, for example, a smartphone, aheadphones set, or an electronic game controller. The charginginformation may be wirelessly transmitted to a receiver of the externaldevice 304 via, for example, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE). In someimplementations, the charging information may include an approximatetime until an energy storage device of the device 302 is fullyrecharged.

As shown in FIG. 3, the device 302 or the external device 304 maytransmit data to a cloud server 306. The database of the cloud server306 may store information about the charging or usage of the device 302and/or the external device 304. Furthermore, the external device 304 mayinclude a display and may run an application configured to indicate astatus of an energy storage device of the external device 304 and/or thefirst and/or second energy storage device of the device 302 based oninformation received via the cloud server 306.

In some embodiments, the device 302 may communicate (e.g., via Wi-Fi®)with the cloud server 306 via a radio and antenna of the device 302 orwith the cloud server via the external device 304. For example, thedevice 302 may require activation for the device to accept charge fromthe transmitter 370. Activation may be required using an application ofthe external device 304 that may communicate with the device 302 and thecloud server 306. The user can enter authentication information that issent from the external device 304 to the cloud server 306 to authorizethe device 302 to charge. Without authentication, an energy harvester ofthe device 302 does not provide energy or charge to first or secondenergy storage devices of the device 302. An activation command may besent from the external device 304 to the device 302 after the device 302has been authenticated in a database.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a system 400. The system 400 maybe, for example, a wireless device such as headphones. The system 400may be the same or similar in in structure and/or function to any of thesystems or devices described herein, such as, for example, the system100, the system 200, and/or the device 302. As shown, the system 400 mayinclude an antenna 410, an RF to DC converter 462, an indicator assembly430, and an energy storage device 440. The antenna 410 and/or the RF toDC converter 462 may be included in an energy harvester. The system 400may also include an overvoltage circuit 442 and a switch or disconnectcircuit 444 coupled to the energy storage device 440. The switch ordisconnect circuit 444 may cause the energy storage device 440 to stopcharging when the energy storage level of the energy storage device 440is above a threshold energy storage level or at a capacity energystorage level of the energy storage device 440. The system 400 mayfurther include a microprocessor 446 and a radio 448 and antenna 449 tocommunicate charging information and/or authentication information to anexternal device and/or cloud server (e.g., via BLE). Furthermore, thesystem 400 may include any suitable headphone circuitry 480 configuredfor wireless headphone operation. The headphone circuitry 480 may becoupled to and configured to be powered by the energy storage device440. The indicator assembly 430 includes an RSSI monitoring component orcurrent amplifier 432 and an indicator 434 configured to provide anoutput of the indicator assembly 430 to a user.

In some implementations, the system 400 may include firmware and/orsoftware that is upgradeable over a wireless communication network viathe radio 448 and antenna 449. The firmware may be upgradeable via, forexample, BLE. In some implementations, the BLE data may be encrypted.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a system 500. The system 500 maybe or include, for example, a wireless device such as headphones. Thesystem 500 may be the same or similar in structure and/or function toany of the systems or devices described herein, such as, for example,the system 100, the system 200, the device 302, and/or the system 400.As shown, the system 500 may include an antenna 510, an RF to DCconverter 562, an indicator assembly 530, and an energy storage device540. The system 500 may also include an overvoltage circuit 542 and aswitch or disconnect circuit 544 coupled to the energy storage device540. The system 500 may further include a microprocessor 546 and a radio548 and antenna 549 to transmit charging information to an externaldevice and/or cloud server (e.g., via BLE). Furthermore, the system 500may include any suitable headphone circuitry 580 configured for wirelessheadphone operation. The headphone circuitry 580 may be coupled to andconfigured to be powered by the energy storage device 540. The indicatorassembly 530 includes an RSSI monitoring component or current amplifier532 and an indicator 534 configured to provide an output of theindicator assembly 530 to a user.

As shown in FIG. 5, the system 500 may also include tuning 563 (alsoreferred to as a tuner or antenna tuning unit) and tuning circuity orinterface 564. In some implementations, the antenna 510 may tuneautomatically. A tuning procedure may be periodically scheduled insoftware or controlled by a smartphone application over a wirelessconnection (BLE). In some implementations, the tuning circuitry orinterface 564 may be mechanically or electronically movable such thatthe tuning 563 may be adjusted. Thus, the tuning 563 may be able toadjust for different table, countertop, or stand material that may beadjacent or near the system 500 or a transmitter from which the antenna510 is receiving wireless energy. For example, in some implementations,the tuning circuitry or interface 564 may include a dial, switch, orother tuning component such that the tuning circuitry or interface 564is user-tunable. In some implementations, the tuning circuitry orinterface 564 may autocorrect or self-adjust. In some implementations,the tuning circuitry or interface 564 may measure a standing wave ratio(SWR) of wireless energy received by the antenna 510. Additionally, thetuning circuitry or interface 564 may monitor charging parametersincluding but not limited to current and voltage. Furthermore, thetuning circuitry or interface 564 may monitor RF parameters of thewireless energy received by the antenna 510 such as one or moreS-parameters (e.g., S11), reflected power, impedance, and reflectioncoefficient.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a system 600. The system 600 maybe or include, for example, wireless headphones. For example, the system600 may include a first headphone component 601A and a second headphonecomponent 601B. A headphone assembly 603 may be included in at least oneof the first headphone component 601A and the second headphone component601B. The first headphone component 601A and the second headphonecomponent 601B may each include one or more cushions for engagement withan ear of the user. The headphone assembly 603 may include speakers andknown headphone circuitry. The system 600 may be the same or similar instructure and/or function to any of the systems and devices describedherein. For example, the system 600 may include the same or similarstructure as shown and described with respect to the system 400 and/orthe system 500.

As shown in FIG. 6, the system includes an energy storage device(included in the headphone subassembly 603), an RF-to-DC converter 662,and an antenna 605. The antenna 605 may provide power to the energystorage device such that an energy storage level of the energy storagedevice increases when the energy storage level of the energy storagedevice is below an energy storage capacity of the energy storage device.The antenna 605 includes a first arcuate metal portion 612 having afirst radius and a second arcuate metal portion 614 having a secondradius smaller than the first radius. The antenna 605 may be flexible.For example, the first arcuate metal portion 612 and/or the secondarcuate metal portion 614 may be flexible.

The antenna also includes a plurality of spacers 618. Each spacer 618from the plurality of spacers is 618 coupled to the first arcuate metalportion 612 and the second arcuate metal portion 614 such that a portionof the first arcuate metal portion 612 coupled to that spacer and aportion of the second arcuate metal portion coupled to that spacer 614are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. In some embodiments, theinner surface of the first arcuate metal portion 612 may face an outersurface of the second arcuate metal portion 614. The inner surface ofthe first arcuate metal portion 612 and the outer surface of the secondarcuate metal portion 614 may be spaced by a constant distance along theentire length of the first arcuate metal portion 614. Although twospacers 618 are shown, any suitable number of spacers 618 may beincluded, such as, for example, three, five, or ten spacers. The spacers618 may be shaped and sized to maintain the first arcuate metal portion612 and the second arcuate metal portion 614 a predetermined distanceapart. The spacers 618 may be shaped and sized to receive at least oneof the first arcuate metal portion 612 and the second arcuate metalportion 614 and may be coupled to at least one of the first arcuatemetal portion 612 and the second arcuate metal portion 614 via anysuitable method, such as by using adhesive.

In some implementations, one or more of the spacers 618 may allow thefirst arcuate metal portion 612 to slide through the spacers 618 whenthe antenna 605 or the system 600 is flexed to allow a bend radius ofthe first arcuate metal portion 612 and/or the second arcuate metalportion 614 to change independently of the other of the first arcuatemetal portion 612 or the second arcuate metal portion 614. Thus, thefirst arcuate metal portion 612 and the second arcuate metal portion 614may be spaced a constant first distance from each other in a firstconfiguration, and may be flexed into a second configuration in whichthe distance between the first arcuate metal portion 612 and the secondarcuate metal portion 614 are not spaced a constant distance from eachother.

The system 600 also includes a feedpoint 616 coupling the first arcuatemetal portion 612 to the second arcuate metal portion 614 and configuredto operatively couple the antenna 605 to the RF-to-DC converter 662. TheRF-to-DC converter 662 is coupled to the headphone subassembly 603 via awire 666. Thus, the RF-to-DC converter 662 and/or the antenna 605 mayform or be included in an energy harvester. In some implementations, thefeedpoint 616 directly connects the antenna 605 to the RF-to-DCconverter 662. In some implementations, the feedpoint capacitivelycouples the antenna 605 to the RF-to-DC converter 662.

In some implementations, a dielectric material may be disposed betweenthe first arcuate metal portion 612 and the second arcuate metal portion614. The dielectric material may be, for example, air or any othersuitable material. The dielectric may be flexible. In someimplementations, the first arcuate metal portion 612 may be electricallyisolated from the second arcuate metal sheet 614 such that the system600 is protected from electrostatic discharge (ESD).

In some implementations, the antenna 605 may be a directional antenna.In some implementations, the antenna 605 may be an omnidirectionalantenna. The first arcuate metal portion 612 may be a patch antenna andthe second arcuate metal portion 614 may be a ground plane. In someimplementations, the first arcuate metal portion 612 and/or the secondarcuate metal portion 614 may be formed as a sheet. In someimplementations, the antenna 605 may form the headband of the system600. Thus, the antenna 605 may be configured to engage a user's headsuch that the first headphone component 601A and the second headphonecomponent 601B are maintained adjacent to and/or engaged with the earsof a user. In some implementations, the antenna 605 may be act as aspring to apply pressure to the first headphone component 601A and thesecond headphone component 601B such that the first headphone component601A and the second headphone component 601B may be pressed against auser's ears. For example, the second arcuate metal portion 614 has afirst end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the firstheadphone component 601A and the second end coupled to a secondheadphone component 601B. At least one of the second arcuate metalportion 614 and the first arcuate metal portion 612 may be elasticallybiased such that, upon engagement of the first headphone component 601Awith a first ear of the user and engagement of the second headphonecomponent 601B with a second ear of the user, the first end of thesecond arcuate metal portion 614 may urge the first headphone component601A toward the first ear and the second end of the second arcuate metalportion 614 may urge the second headphone component 601B toward thesecond ear.

In some implementations, the first arcuate metal portion 612 and thesecond arcuate metal portion 614 may be fully or partially exposed. Forexample, the first arcuate metal portion 612 and/or the second arcuatemetal portion 614 may be visible during use. In some implementations,the first arcuate metal portion 612 and the second arcuate metal portion614 may be covered with a material such as plastic or foam.

In addition to the energy storage device, the headphone subassembly 603may also include headphone circuitry (not shown in FIG. 6) and anindicator assembly (not shown in FIG. 6). The headphone circuitry may beany suitable headphone circuitry used in wireless headphones. Theheadphone circuitry may be powered by the energy storage device of theheadphone subassembly 603. The indicator assembly may be the same orsimilar in structure and/or function to any of the indicator assembliesdescribed herein. In some implementations, the system 600 mayincorporate both overvoltage and undervoltage protection in, forexample, the headphone subassembly 603.

In some implementations, the system 600 may include a third arcuatemember (not shown) distinct from the antenna 605. The antenna 605 may becoupled to the third arcuate portion. For example, the antenna 605 maybe mounted to the third arcuate member and the second arcuate metalportion 614 may or may not extend the full length from the firstheadphone component 601A to the second headphone component 601B. Thethird arcuate member may have a first end and a second end, each ofwhich is coupled to one of the first headphone component 601A and thesecond headphone component 601B. The third arcuate member may beconfigured to engage a user's head such that the first headphonecomponent 601A and the second headphone component 601B are maintainedadjacent to and/or engaged with the ears of a user. The third arcuatemember may be formed of, for example, plastic. In some implementations,the third arcuate member may be include or be coupled to an adjustablelength member such that the system 600 may have an adjustable size fromthe first headphone component 601A to the second headphone component601B.

In some implementations, the second arcuate metal portion 614 may becoupled to an extendable member such that a size of the system 600 maybe adjusted. For example, an extendable member may be coupled to a firstend of the second arcuate metal portion 614 and the first headphonecomponent 601A and may be extendable from a first length to a secondlength. Thus, the first headphone component 601A may be disposed a firstdistance from the first end of the second arcuate metal portion 614 whenthe extendable member has a first length and a second distance from thefirst end of the second arcuate metal portion 614 when the extendablemember has a second length. In some implementations, the system 600 mayinclude two extendable members such that the distance of the secondheadphone component 601B from the second end of the second arcuate metalportion 614 is also adjustable.

Although the antenna 605 is shown as having one feedpoint 616, in someembodiments the antenna 605 may include more than one feedpoints. Insome implementations, an antenna may include more than one feedpoint andmore than one harvester such that different polarizations of an RF wavemay be captured.

In some implementations, the feedpoint 616 may be mechanically orelectronically movable such that the tuning of the antenna 605 andfeedpoint 616 may be adjusted. Thus, the antenna 605 may be tunable toadjust for different table, countertop, or stand material that may beadjacent or near the antenna 605 or a transmitter from which the antenna605 is receiving wireless energy. For example, in some implementations,the feedpoint 616 may be user-tunable via a dial, switch, or othertuning component. In some implementations, the feedpoint 616 mayautocorrect or self-adjust. In some implementations, the feedpoint 616may be tunable via tuning circuitry or a tuning interface that is thesame or similar in structure and/or function to the tuning circuitry orinterface 564 described above.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a system 700. The system 700 maybe or include, for example, a wireless video game controller. The system700 may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any ofthe systems described herein. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, thesystem 700 may include a first subassembly 701. The first subassembly701 may include an antenna 710, an RF to DC converter 762, an indicatorassembly 730, and an energy storage device 740. The first subassembly701 may also include an overvoltage circuit 742 and a switch ordisconnect circuit 744 coupled to the energy storage device 740. Thefirst subassembly 701 may further include a microprocessor 746 and aradio 748 and antenna 749 to transmit charging information to anexternal device and/or cloud server (e.g., via BLE). The indicatorassembly 730 includes an RSSI monitoring component or current amplifier732 and an indicator 734 configured to provide an output of theindicator assembly 730 to a user.

The first subassembly 701 also includes a housing 795 within which theantenna 710, the energy storage device 740 (also referred to herein as a“first energy storage device 740”), and the other components of thefirst subassembly 701 may be disposed. The antenna 710 may include anantenna portion and a reflector (not shown in FIG. 7). The reflector maybe electrically isolated from the antenna portion. The energy storagedevice 740 may be configured such that an energy storage level of theenergy storage device 740 may increase in response to the antenna 710receiving wireless energy.

For example, the antenna 710 may be a directional antenna to maximizepower throughput from the transmitter to the first subassembly 701. Thereflector may include a wire. In some implementations, the reflector maybe disposed less than a quarter of a wavelength of the wireless energyreceived by the antenna 710 from the antenna portion. In someimplementations, the reflector may be disposed between an eighth of awavelength and a fourth of a wavelength of the wireless energy receivedby the antenna 710 from the antenna portion. In some implementations,the antenna portion may include one of a dipole, loop, or folded dipole.In some implementations, the reflector may be user adjustable tomaximize performance in the environment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the system 700 may include a second subassembly 704.The second subassembly 704 may be a separate device from the firstsubassembly 701. The second subassembly 704 may include an energystorage device 750 (also referred to herein as a “second energy storagedevice 750”) and device circuitry 706 disposed within a housing 796. Thesecond subassembly 705, for example, may be a wireless game controllerconfigured to be used with a gaming console. Thus, the device circuitry706 may be any suitable device circuitry configured such that the awireless game controller may communicate with a gaming console. Thedevice circuitry 706 may be coupled to the energy storage device 750such that the device circuity 706 receives operational energy from theenergy storage device 750.

The first subassembly 701 and the second subassembly 704 may be coupledto each other via interface 708. The second subassembly 704 may include,for example, a positive lock 709. The first subassembly 701 may includea portion of the interface 708 including, for example, a latch (notshown in FIG. 7). The positive lock 709 may engage with the latch suchthat the first subassembly 701 and the second subassembly 704 aresecured to each other. A user may actuate the positive lock 709 (e.g.,via pressing a release button) to disengage the lock 709 and separatethe second subassembly 704 from the first subassembly 701.

When the first subassembly 701 and the second subassembly 704 aresecured to each other via the interface 708, the energy storage device740 of the first subassembly 701 may provide charging energy to theenergy storage device 750 of the second subassembly 704. In someimplementations, the energy storage device 740 of the first subassembly701 has a first energy storage capacity and the energy storage device750 of the second subassembly 704 has a second energy storage capacitygreater than the first energy storage capacity. The first energy storagedevice 740 may provide power to the second energy storage device 750when the energy storage level of the first energy storage device 740 isabove a first threshold energy storage level and an energy storage levelof the second energy storage device 750 is below a second thresholdenergy storage level.

Although system 700 is shown as including a first subassembly 701 and aseparate second subassembly 704 housed in different housings (e.g.,housing 795 and housing 796), in some implementations, the system 700may include one housing within which both the first subassembly 701 andthe second subassembly 704 are disposed.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a system 800. The system 800 may be thesame or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systemsdescribed herein such as, for example, the system 700. For example, thesystem 800 may be a game controller having a housing 895 and includingbuttons and/or toggles 894. As shown, the system 800 may include anantenna 810 having an antenna portion 890 and a reflector 892, which maybe the same or similar in structure and/or function to the antenna 710described above. An RF to DC converter 862, which may be the same orsimilar as the RF to DC converter 762 described above, may be coupled tothe antenna portion 890.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a system 900. The system 900 maybe or include, for example, a wireless video game controller. The system900 may be similar in structure and/or function to any of the systemsdescribed herein, such as the systems 700 and/or 800. For example, asshown in FIG. 9, the system 900 may include a first subassembly 901. Thefirst subassembly 901 may include an antenna 910, an RF to DC converter962, an indicator assembly 930, and an energy storage device 940. Thefirst subassembly 901 may also include an overvoltage circuit 942 and aswitch or disconnect circuit 944 coupled to the energy storage device940. The first subassembly 901 may further include a microprocessor 946and a radio 948 and antenna 949 to transmit charging information to anexternal device and/or cloud server (e.g., via BLE). The indicatorassembly 930 includes an RSSI monitoring component or current amplifier932 and an indicator 934 configured to provide an output of theindicator assembly 930 to a user.

The first subassembly 901 also includes a housing 995 within which theantenna 910, the energy storage device 940 (also referred to herein as a“first energy storage device 940”), and the other components of thefirst subassembly 901 may be disposed. The antenna 910 may include anantenna portion and a reflector (not shown in FIG. 9). The reflector maybe electrically isolated from the antenna portion. The energy storagedevice 940 may be configured such that an energy storage level of theenergy storage device 940 may increase in response to the antenna 910receiving wireless energy.

For example, the antenna 910 may be a directional antenna to maximizepower throughput from the transmitter to the first subassembly 901. Thereflector may include a wire. In some implementations, the reflector maybe disposed less than a quarter of a wavelength of the wireless energyreceived by the antenna 910 from the antenna portion. In someimplementations, the reflector may be disposed between an eighth of awavelength and a fourth of a wavelength of the wireless energy receivedby the antenna 910 from the antenna portion. In some implementations,the antenna portion may include one of a dipole, loop, or folded dipole.In some implementations, the reflector may be user adjustable tomaximize performance in the environment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the system 900 may include a second subassembly 904.The second subassembly 904 may be a separate device from the firstsubassembly 901. The second subassembly 904 may include an energystorage device 950 (also referred to herein as a “second energy storagedevice 950”) and device circuitry 906 disposed within a housing 996. Thesecond subassembly 905, for example, may be a wireless game controllerconfigured to be used with a gaming console. Thus, the device circuitry906 may be any suitable device circuitry configured such that the awireless game controller may communicate with a gaming console. Thedevice circuitry 906 may be coupled to the energy storage device 950such that the device circuity 906 receives operational energy from theenergy storage device 950.

The first subassembly 901 and the second subassembly 904 may be coupledto each other via interface 908. The second subassembly 904 may include,for example, a positive lock 909. The first subassembly 901 may includea portion of the interface 908 including, for example, a latch (notshown in FIG. 9). The positive lock 909 may engage with the latch suchthat the first subassembly 901 and the second subassembly 904 aresecured to each other. A user may actuate the positive lock 909 (e.g.,via pressing a release button) to disengage the lock 909 and separatethe second subassembly 904 from the first subassembly 901.

When the first subassembly 901 and the second subassembly 904 aresecured to each other via the interface 908, the energy storage device940 of the first subassembly 901 may provide charging energy to theenergy storage device 950 of the second subassembly 904. In someimplementations, the energy storage device 940 of the first subassembly901 has a first energy storage capacity and the energy storage device950 of the second subassembly 904 has a second energy storage capacitygreater than the first energy storage capacity. The first energy storagedevice 940 may provide power to the second energy storage device 950when the energy storage level of the first energy storage device 940 isabove a first threshold energy storage level and an energy storage levelof the second energy storage device 950 is below a second thresholdenergy storage level.

Although system 900 is shown as including a first subassembly 901 and aseparate second subassembly 904 housed in different housings (e.g.,housing 995 and housing 996), in some implementations, the system 900may include one housing within which both the first subassembly 901 andthe second subassembly 904 are disposed.

As shown in FIG. 9, the system 900 also includes a DC to DC converter992 (also referred to as a “boost converter”). The DC to DC converter992 is coupled to the first energy storage device 940 and can increasethe voltage of the energy transferred from the first energy storagedevice 940 to the second energy storage device 950. For example, the DCto DC converter 992 may be configured to step up the voltage and stepdown the current of the power that the DC to DC converter 992 receivesfrom the first energy storage device 940 such that the power output ofthe DC to DC converter 992 to the second energy storage device 950 has ahigher voltage than the output of the first energy storage device 940.In some implementations, the DC to DC converter 992 may be configured toincrease the voltage of the energy outputted by the first energy storagedevice 940 above a predetermined voltage threshold or to a predeterminedvoltage range. In some implementations, the predetermined voltagethreshold or predetermined voltage range may correspond to a voltagethat the second subassembly 904 would receive if connected to a wiredcharging console or wall outlet. Additionally, the DC to DC converter992 may be coupled to the voltage monitoring circuit 942.

FIG. 10 is a chart illustrating operational ranges of a system or devicesuch as the system 900 of FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 10, when an energystorage device of the system (e.g., energy storage device 940) has anenergy storage level below a first threshold energy storage level (e.g.,below 3 V), the system may perform a voltage check of the energy storagelevel of the energy storage device 940 but not send beacons requestingpower. If the energy storage device has an energy storage level abovethe first threshold energy storage level and below a second thresholdenergy storage level (e.g., between about 3V and about 3.3V), softwareassociated with the energy storage device can run using power from theenergy storage device (e.g., on a microprocessor coupled to the energystorage device). With a voltage within the first threshold energystorage level and the second threshold energy storage level, the systemmay send one or more beacons requesting energy be sent to the system.For example, the system may send a beacon indicating that charge isrequested such that any transmitter receiving the beacon may response bytransmitting wireless power. With a voltage within the first thresholdenergy storage level and the second threshold energy storage level, aboost converter of the system is off. If the energy storage device hasan energy storage level above the second threshold voltage and below athird threshold voltage (e.g., between about 3.3V and 4.1V), the boostconverter of the system can be on and operational such that energy maybe transferred from the energy storage device 940, through the boostconverter (e.g., DC to DC converter 992), and to a second energy storagedevice. With a voltage within the second threshold energy storage leveland the third threshold energy storage level, the system may continue tosend charge request beacons. However, if the energy storage device hasan energy storage level at or above the third threshold energy storagelevel (e.g., above 4.1V) the system may discontinue sending chargerequest beacons and instead enter a charging hysteresis state. The thirdthreshold energy storage level may be below the energy storage capacityof the energy storage device. For example, the energy storage device mayhave a capacity above the third threshold energy storage level (e.g., acapacity of 4.2V) such that when an energy storage level is above thethird threshold energy level and/or at capacity the energy storagedevice is over voltage or fully charged. In some implementations, theboost converter does not initiate as the energy storage level increasesabove the second threshold voltage. Rather, the boost converter willremain off as the energy storage device is charged until the energystorage level reaches or exceeds the third energy storage level (e.g.,4.1 V). If the energy storage level is between the third energy storagelevel and the fourth energy storage level, the system may deliver powerfrom the energy storage device to another energy storage device and mayinitiate the boost converter to deliver the power at an increasedvoltage compared to the output of the energy storage device.

In some implementations, any of the systems and/or devices describedherein may include multiple arrayed antennas configured to feed to asingle energy harvester. In some implementations, any of the systemsand/or devices described herein may include multiple antennas co-locatedon a device, each antenna being associated with an individual energyharvester. In some implementations, any of the systems and/or devicesdescribed herein may include both arrayed and co-located antennas thatmay be used simultaneously.

In some implementations, an antenna any of the systems and/or devicesdescribed herein may include a ground that may be capacitively coupledto a metal portion of an end device (e.g., a mobile phone, wirelessheadphones, a wireless game controller, or any other suitable devicethat can be wirelessly charged).

In some embodiments, an end device (e.g., any of the systems or devicesdescribed herein and/or a mobile phone, headphones, or any othersuitable device that can be wirelessly charged via any of theintermediary systems or devices described herein) may coordinatecharging of an energy storage device of the end device by communicatingwith a transmitter. In some implementations, the end device may controlthe overall charging operations (e.g., initiate and/or cease charging)based on information received from the transmitter or via anintermediary device such as whether a charging operation has beenactivated, the amount of RF energy transmitted, whether a chargingoperation has been deactivated, a stored energy level of the energystorage device of the end device, a current level of the wireless energyreceived from the transmitter, and/or an RSSI of the wireless energyreceived from the transmitter.

In some implementations, a system, such as any of the systems describedherein, may include a transmitter. In some implementations, any of thedevices described herein may be included in a system also including atransmitter. The transmitter (e.g., an RF transmitter) may adjust itsradiation pattern and/or gain such that a throughput of the transmittermay be increased. Additionally, the transmitter and an end device (suchas any of the devices described herein) may each adjust their polarityto maximize throughput.

In some implementations, a system, such as any of the systems describedherein, may include a transmitter. In some implementations, any of thedevices described herein may be included in a system also including atransmitter. The transmitter may delay sending wireless power or energyby a predetermined length of time such that a user may exit a chargingzone of the transmitter before a charging operation is initialized(e.g., before wireless power is sent to the end device). Thus, the usermay carry a wireless device (e.g., an end device) into a charging zoneand dispose the wireless device in the charging zone. For example, theuser may move a wireless device toward a transmitter until an indicatorassembly of the wireless device indicates that the wireless device iswithin a charging zone of the transmitter. The wireless device may senda signal or beacon to the transmitter indicated that the wireless deviceis disposed within the charging zone of the transmitter. Upon receivingthe signal or beacon, the transmitter may initiate a timer for apredetermined length of time. The user may then exit the charging zone,leaving the wireless device within the charging zone. After thepredetermined length of time has elapsed, the transmitter may initiatesending wireless power to the wireless device.

In some implementations, the systems or devices described herein mayhave a secondary means of recharging. For example, the systems ordevices described herein may include a connector interface forconnection to a traditional wall charger (e.g., a USB port and a wallwart configured to mate with an AC outlet). Additionally, the systems ordevices described herein may have a secondary wireless charging meanssuch as Qi inductive based charging.

In some implementations, multiple systems or devices, such as any of thesystems or devices described herein, may simultaneously receive wirelessenergy from one or more transmitters.

In some implementations, any of the systems or devices described hereinmay be configured to maximize the RF to DC conversion efficiency based,at least in part, on the distance the system or device is from atransmitter. For example, the system or device may include an efficiencymaximizing circuit that monitors the amount of received RF power orrectified RF power and adjusts the load voltage on the RF harvester orthe RF tuning to maximize the harvested power. In some implementations,the system or device may include multiple RF to DC converters and aswitching network. The switching network may be configured to switch inand out RF to DC converters and/or other components to select the mostefficient RF to DC converter based on the operating point or received RFpower level.

In some implementations, any of the systems or devices described hereinmay include more than one energy harvester. For example, any of thesystems or devices described herein may include a second RF energyharvester configured to capture RF from WiFi signals. The second RFenergy harvester may be configured to work in conjunction with the firstenergy harvester to increase the energy storage level of an energystorage device.

In some implementations, a system, such as any of the systems describedherein, may include a transmitter such as any of the transmittersdescribed in PCT/US2018/049392, filed Sep. 4, 2018, entitled “Methods,Systems, and Apparatus for Automatic RF Power Transmission and SingleAntenna Energy Harvesting” (referred to herein as the '392 PCT), whichis incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In someimplementations, any of the devices described herein may be included ina system also including any of the transmitters described in the '392PCT. For example, the transmitter may be able to send wireless powerover a particular range or distance. Thus, the transmitter may have arange or zone (e.g., a three-dimensional area) over which thetransmitter is configured to send wireless power to charge the energystorage devices associated with the one or more receivers. The range orzone may be independent of a location of a receiver, such as any of thewireless devices described herein. Each of the one or more receivers,such as any of the wireless devices described herein, may have aparticular range over which the one or more receivers may be configuredto send wireless communications (e.g., beacons). The range over whichthe one or more receivers may be configured to send wirelesscommunications may be greater than the range over which the transmittermay be able to send wireless power. Thus, in some embodiments, thesystem may be configured such that the transmitter will only initiatesending wireless power when at least one of the one or more receivers iswithin the zone or range of the transmitter and able to receive wirelesspower from the transmitter such that the transmitter may charge theenergy storage device of the receiver. In some embodiments, the systemmay be configured such that the transmitter will only continue sendingwireless power when at least one of the one or more receivers is withinthe zone or range of the transmitter and able to receive wireless powerfrom the transmitter such that the transmitter may charge the energystorage device of the receiver. Furthermore, the system may include twoor more transmitters. The transmitters may be disposed within a space,such as the same room or different rooms of the same building (e.g.,house). The system may be configured such that, even if two or more ofthe transmitters receive a wireless communication from a receiver (e.g.,requesting wireless power), only the transmitter that is sufficientlyclose to the receiver to transmit wireless power to the receiver will beactivated and/or will continue sending wireless power to the receiverafter an initial period. The system may also be configured such that, ifthe receiver is moved away from a first transmitter and toward a secondtransmitter, the receiver may activate the second transmitter and stopreceiving powering energy (e.g., charging energy) from the firsttransmitter such that the receiver continues to receive powering energyin series with no or only a brief interruption in wireless powerdelivery.

In some implementations, a system may include a transmitter and areceiver. The receiver may include any of the systems or wirelessdevices described herein. The transmitter may include any of thetransmitters described herein. The receiver may be configured to requestpower to be transmitted via wireless communication (e.g., via sending abeacon). The transmitter may receive the request from the receiver and,in response to receiving the request, transition from an initial state(i.e., an initial mode) in which the transmitter is not sending anysignals to a first state (i.e., a first mode) in which the transmittersends power and data to the receiver. The data may include transmitteridentification information (e.g., a transmitter identification number)uniquely associated with the transmitter. When the transmitter sendspower and data to the receiver in the first state, the transmitter mayinitiate a first timeout timer, setting a first time duration (e.g., 3-5seconds) within which the transmitter receives a wireless communication(e.g., a request for power) including the transmitter identificationinformation uniquely associated with the transmitter, or else thetransmitter will return to the initial state. Thus, if the transmitterdoes not receive a wireless communication including the transmitteridentification information uniquely associated with the transmitterwithin the first time duration (e.g., before the first time durationelapses and the timeout timer runs to zero), the transmitter may returnto the initial state. If the transmitter receives a wirelesscommunication including the transmitter identification informationuniquely associated with the transmitter within the first time duration,the transmitter may transition to a second state (i.e., a second mode)in which the transmitter sends power and data to the receiver to chargethe receiver.

When the transmitter sends power and data to the receiver in the secondstate, the transmitter may initiate a second timeout timer, setting asecond time duration (e.g., 1 minute) longer than the first timeduration within which the transmitter must receive a wirelesscommunication (e.g., a request for power) including the transmitteridentification information uniquely associated with the transmitter, orelse the transmitter will return to the initial state. Thus, if thetransmitter does not receive a request for power including thetransmitter identification information uniquely associated with thetransmitter within the second time duration (e.g., before the secondtime duration elapses and the timeout time runs to zero), thetransmitter may return to the initial state. If the transmitter receivesa wireless communication including the transmitter identificationinformation uniquely associated with the transmitter within the secondtime duration, the second timeout timer may reset. The timeout timer ofthe transmitter may be configured to reset every time the transmitterreceives a wireless communication including the transmitteridentification information uniquely associated with the transmitter suchthat the transmitter may continue sending power and data to the receiverfor a period of time significantly longer than the second time duration(e.g., hours). Furthermore, the second timeout timer of the transmittermay be configured to reset regardless of the source of the wirelesscommunication including the transmitter identification information.Thus, if the system includes a number of receivers, a wirelesscommunication including the transmitter identification informationuniquely associated with the transmitter from any of the receivers(i.e., fewer than all receivers) may reset the second timeout timer ofthe transmitter.

In some implementations, a system includes a transmitter and a receiver.The receiver may include any of the systems or wireless devicesdescribed herein. The transmitter may include any of the transmittersdescribed herein. The transmitter may send (e.g., in a first mode or aping mode) discrete pings of wireless power and data to a zone or areasurrounding the transmitter. The pings may have a duration, for example,of about 200 ms to about 3 seconds. The pings may be sent, for example,every 5-30 seconds. The data may include transmitter identificationinformation (e.g., a transmitter identification number) uniquelyassociated with the transmitter. If the receiver is located within thezone or area surrounding the transmitter such that the receiver is closeenough to the transmitter to receive the wireless power, the receivermay receive the wireless power and the transmitter identificationinformation uniquely associated with the transmitter and send a wirelesscommunication (e.g., a beacon) including the transmitter identificationinformation. If the transmitter does not receive a wirelesscommunication including the transmitter identification informationuniquely associated with the transmitter (e.g., because no receiver iswithin the zone or no receiver within the zone needs wireless power),the transmitter may continue to send the discrete pings. If thetransmitter does receive a wireless communication including thetransmitter identification information uniquely associated with thetransmitter (e.g., because the receiver is in the zone), the transmittermay transition to a second mode (e.g., a powering and/or charge mode) inwhich the transmitter sends wireless power and the transmitteridentification information uniquely associated with the transmitter tothe zone or area surrounding the transmitter for a period of time longerthan the length of a discrete ping.

For example, the transmitter may include a timeout timer such that, whenthe transmitter sends a wireless signal including power and data to thezone or area in the second mode, the transmitter may initiate thetimeout timer, setting a time duration (e.g., 1 minute) within which thetransmitter must receive a wireless communication (e.g., a request forpower) including the transmitter identification information uniquelyassociated with the transmitter, or else the transmitter will return tothe ping mode. In some embodiments, the wireless communication includesonly the transmitter identification information uniquely associated withthe transmitter from which the receiver received powering or chargingenergy. Thus, if the transmitter does not receive a request for powerincluding the transmitter identification information uniquely associatedwith that transmitter within the time duration (e.g., before the timeduration elapses and the timeout timer runs to zero), the transmittermay return to the initial state after the time duration elapses. If thetransmitter receives a wireless communication including the transmitteridentification information uniquely associated with that transmitterwithin the time duration (e.g., from the receiver in the zone), thetimeout timer may reset. The timeout timer of the transmitter may beconfigured to reset every time the transmitter receives a wirelesscommunication including the transmitter identification informationuniquely associated with the transmitter such that the transmitter maycontinue sending power and data to the receiver for a period of timesignificantly longer than the time duration (e.g., hours). Furthermore,the timeout timer of the transmitter may be configured to resetregardless of the source as long as the wireless communication includesthe transmitter identification information. Thus, if the system includesa number of receivers, a wireless communication including thetransmitter identification information uniquely associated with thetransmitter from any of the receivers (i.e., fewer than all receivers)may reset the timeout timer of the transmitter. For example, a firstreceiver may send an initial wireless communication to the transmittersuch that the transmitter begins sending power and data to the zone andcharges the first receiver, and a second receiver disposed in the zonemay send a later wireless communication including the transmitteridentification information uniquely associated with the transmitter suchthat the timeout timer of the transmitter resets.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described above, itshould be understood that they have been presented by way of exampleonly, and not limitation. Where methods described above indicate certainevents occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events may bemodified. Additionally, certain of the events may be performedconcurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performedsequentially as described above.

In some embodiments, the systems (or any of its components) describedherein can include a non-transitory computer-readable medium (also canbe referred to as a non-transitory processor-readable medium) havinginstructions or computer code thereon for performing variouscomputer-implemented operations. The computer-readable medium (orprocessor-readable medium) is non-transitory in the sense that it doesnot include transitory propagating signals per se (e.g., a propagatingelectromagnetic wave carrying information on a transmission medium suchas space or a cable). The media and computer code (also can be referredto as code) may be those designed and constructed for the specificpurpose or purposes. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable mediainclude, but are not limited to: magnetic storage media such as harddisks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical storage media such asCompact Disc/Digital Video Discs (CD/DVDs), Compact Disc-Read OnlyMemories (CD-ROMs), and holographic devices; magneto-optical storagemedia such as optical disks; carrier wave signal processing modules; andhardware devices that are specially configured to store and executeprogram code, such as Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs),Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Read-Only Memory (ROM) andRandom-Access Memory (RAM) devices.

Examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, micro-code ormicro-instructions, machine instructions, such as produced by acompiler, code used to produce a web service, and files containinghigher-level instructions that are executed by a computer using aninterpreter. For example, embodiments may be implemented usingimperative programming languages (e.g., C, Fortran, etc.), functionalprogramming languages (Haskell, Erlang, etc.), logical programminglanguages (e.g., Prolog), object-oriented programming languages (e.g.,Java, C++, etc.) or other suitable programming languages and/ordevelopment tools. Additional examples of computer code include, but arenot limited to, control signals, encrypted code, and compressed code.

Although various embodiments have been described as having particularfeatures and/or combinations of components, other embodiments arepossible having a combination of any features and/or components from anyof the embodiments where appropriate.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: an antenna; andan energy storage device; a receiver coupled to the antenna and theenergy storage device, the receiver configured to receive wirelessenergy via the antenna such that an energy storage level of the energystorage device is increased; and an indicator assembly coupled to thereceiver and configured, in response to the receiver receiving thewireless energy, to determine whether a characteristic of the wirelessenergy is within a first predetermined range and to provide a firstindication based, at least in part, on a determination that thecharacteristic of the wireless energy is within the first predeterminedrange, the indicator assembly configured to determine whether thecharacteristic of the wireless energy is within a second predeterminedrange and to provide a second indication different from the firstindication based, at least in part, on a determination that thecharacteristic of the wireless energy is within the second predeterminedrange.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the indicator assembly isconfigured to determine whether the wireless energy is capable ofincreasing the energy storage level of the energy storage device, andthe first indication is based, at least in part, on a determination thatthe wireless energy is capable of increasing the energy storage level ofthe energy storage device.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecharacteristic of the wireless energy is a current level of the wirelessenergy.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the characteristic of thewireless energy is a current level of the wireless energy, and theindicator assembly includes a current sense amplifier.
 5. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein: the characteristic of the wireless energy is areceived signal strength of the wireless energy.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first indication includes an audible indication. 7.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first indication includes a visualindication.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the first indicationincludes a visual indication, and the indication assembly includes atleast one light emitting diode.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefirst indication includes a haptic indication.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising: a charge monitoring assembly coupled to thereceiver and configured to determine the energy storage level of theenergy storage device, the first indication provided by the indicatorassembly configured to indicate a time duration until the energy storagelevel of the energy storage device is above a threshold energy storagelevel, the first indication based, at least in part, on the energystorage level of the energy storage device and a rate of increase of theenergy storage level based on the characteristic of the wireless energy.11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the indicator assembly isconfigured to provide a third indication in response to adiscontinuation of the receiver receiving the wireless energy.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the energy storage device is a firstenergy storage device, the apparatus further comprising: a second energystorage device coupled to the first energy storage device, the firstenergy storage device configured to provide power to the second energystorage device when the energy storage level of the first energy storagedevice is above a first threshold energy storage level and an energystorage level of the second energy storage device is below a secondthreshold energy storage level.
 13. An apparatus, comprising: anantenna; a receiver coupled to the antenna; a first energy storagedevice coupled to the receiver, the first energy storage device isconfigured to increase an energy storage level of the first energystorage device to a first threshold energy storage level when a wirelessfirst energy is received by the receiver, the wireless first energyhaving a current, the first threshold energy storage level being belowan energy storage capacity of the first energy storage device, the firstenergy storage device configured to provide power to a second energystorage device having a second energy storage capacity greater than thefirst energy storage capacity by sending a second energy to the secondenergy storage device, the second energy having a current greater thanthe current of the wireless first energy; and an indicator assemblycoupled to the receiver and configured, in response to the receiverreceiving the wireless first energy, to determine whether acharacteristic of the wireless first energy is within a firstpredetermined range and to provide a first indication based, at least inpart, on a determination that the characteristic of the wireless firstenergy is within the first predetermined range, the indicator assemblyconfigured to determine whether the characteristic of the wireless firstenergy is within a second predetermined range and to provide a secondindication different from the first indication based, at least in part,on a determination that the characteristic of the wireless first energyis within the second predetermined range.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13,wherein the wireless first energy has a first duration and the secondenergy has a second duration shorter than the first duration.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein the first indication includes anindication of a rate of increase of at least one of the energy storagelevel of the first energy storage device or the energy storage level ofthe second energy storage device.
 16. An apparatus, comprising: ahousing; an antenna disposed within the housing, the antenna includingan antenna portion and a reflector, the reflector electrically isolatedfrom the antenna portion; an energy storage device disposed within thehousing and configured such that an energy storage level of the energystorage device can increase in response to the antenna receivingwireless energy; a receiver coupled to the antenna and configured toreceive the wireless energy via the antenna; and an indicator assemblycoupled to the receiver and configured, in response to the receiverreceiving the wireless energy, to determine whether a characteristic ofthe wireless first energy is within a first predetermined range and toprovide a first indication based, at least in part, on a determinationthat the characteristic of the wireless first energy is within the firstpredetermined range, the indicator assembly configured to determinewhether the characteristic of the wireless first energy is within asecond predetermined range and to provide a second indication differentfrom the first indication based, at least in part, on a determinationthat the characteristic of the wireless first energy is within thesecond predetermined range.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein theantenna is a directional antenna.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, whereinthe reflector includes a wire.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16, whereinthe reflector is disposed less than a quarter of a wavelength of thewireless energy from the antenna portion.
 20. The apparatus of claim 16,wherein the reflector is disposed between an eighth of a wavelength anda fourth of a wavelength of the wireless energy from the antennaportion.
 21. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the antenna portionincludes one of a dipole, loop, or folded dipole.
 22. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the energy storage device is a first energy storagedevice, the first energy storage device having a first energy storagecapacity, the apparatus further comprising: a second energy storagedevice having a second energy storage capacity greater than the firstenergy storage capacity, the first energy storage device configured toprovide power to the second energy storage device when the energystorage level of the first energy storage device is above a firstthreshold energy storage level and an energy storage level of the secondenergy storage device is below a second threshold energy storage level.23. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the energy storage device is afirst energy storage device, the first energy storage device having afirst energy storage capacity, the apparatus further comprising: asecond energy storage device disposed within the housing and having asecond energy storage capacity greater than the first energy storagecapacity, the first energy storage device configured to provide power tothe second energy storage device when the energy storage level of thefirst energy storage device is above a first threshold energy storagelevel and an energy storage level of the second energy storage device isbelow a second threshold energy storage level.
 24. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the housing is a first housing, the energy storagedevice is a first energy storage device, the first energy storage devicehaving a first energy storage capacity, the apparatus furthercomprising: a second energy storage device having a second energystorage capacity greater than the first energy storage capacity, thefirst energy storage device configured to provide power to the secondenergy storage device when the energy storage level of the first energystorage device is above a first threshold energy storage level and anenergy storage level of the second energy storage device is below asecond threshold energy storage level, the second energy storage devicedisposed within a second housing, the first housing having an interface,the second housing having a latch, the latch configured to be releasablycoupled to the interface such that the first energy storage device isoperatively coupled to the second energy storage device.